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Defense Attorney Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

USAA

Trial Attorney PIP & BI/UM

Bloomfield Hills, MI · On-site +1

$114K - $218K/yr

As a dedicated PIP & BI/UM personal injury Trial Attorney, you will provide legal representation to ... Independently manages caseload of simple to moderate Property and Casualty insurance defense cases ...

USAA

Trial Attorney PIP & BI/UM

Bloomfield Hills, MI · On-site +1

$114K - $218K/yr

As a dedicated PIP & BI/UM personal injury Trial Attorney, you will provide legal representation to ... Independently manages caseload of simple to moderate Property and Casualty insurance defense cases ...

USAA

Trial Attorney PIP & BI/UM

Bloomfield, MI · On-site

$114K - $218K/yr

As a dedicated PIP & BI/UM personal injury Trial Attorney, you will provide legal representation to ... Independently manages caseload of simple to moderate Property and Casualty insurance defense cases ...

Wayne County

Program Administrator -099605

Detroit, MI · On-site

Minimum of 5 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney. * Preferred : * Prior work in a role supporting assigned criminal defense counsel. * Required Tasks * Consulting directly with ...

Wayne County

Program Administrator -099605

Detroit, MI · On-site

As with its predecessor Pilot Project, the Program places approval of investigator and expert service in the hands of Program Administrator, themselves experienced criminal defense attorneys. The ...

LHH US

Insurance Defense Paralegal

Detroit, MI · Hybrid

$60K - $75K/yr

... an experienced Insurance Defense Paralegal. This is an excellent opportunity for a legal ... Key Responsibilities * Assist attorneys with case management from initial intake through trial and ...

LHH US

Insurance Defense Paralegal

Detroit, MI · Hybrid

$60K - $75K/yr

... an experienced Insurance Defense Paralegal. This is an excellent opportunity for a legal ... Key Responsibilities * Assist attorneys with case management from initial intake through trial and ...

W3Global Inc.

Attorney

Saint Joseph, MI · On-site +1

$60K - $80K/yr

Insurance Defense Associate Attorney St. Joseph, MI Established in 1984, client provides quality representation for businesses and individuals throughout Michigan and Indiana. To better serve our ...

Hutchinson Cannatella

Be Seen First

Associate Attorney

Detroit, MI · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Job Type: Full-time Work Setting: in-person Attorney wanted for a well-established and growing Downtown Detroit boutique insurance defense law firm servicing multiple Fortune 500 companies. We are ...

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All JobsDefense Attorney JobsDefense Attorney Jobs in Michigan

Defense Attorney information

See Michigan salary details

$30.1K

$95K

$152.5K

How much do defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense attorney in Michigan is $95,025.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,800.00 and $111,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do defense attorneys make?

Defense attorneys' salaries vary based on experience, location, and whether they work in private practice or for the government. On average, they earn between $60,000 and $130,000 annually, with experienced attorneys and those in large firms or urban areas earning higher wages. Many defense attorneys also handle complex cases that require strong negotiation and courtroom skills.

What are some common challenges defense attorneys face during case preparation, and how can they be addressed?

Defense attorneys often encounter challenges such as limited access to evidence, tight deadlines, and managing high caseloads. Effective case preparation requires thorough investigation, close communication with clients, and collaboration with investigators or expert witnesses. Staying organized, prioritizing tasks, and proactively seeking necessary information from prosecutors can help address these challenges and ensure a strong defense for clients.

What is the difference between Defense Attorney vs Public Defender?

AspectDefense AttorneyPublic Defender
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar licenseJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license
Work EnvironmentPrivate law firms, solo practices, or corporate settingsGovernment offices, public defender's offices
Employer & IndustryPrivate clients, law firms, corporationsGovernment-funded legal aid services
Common Search IntentLegal defense for clients in criminal casesLegal defense for indigent clients in criminal cases

Both Defense Attorneys and Public Defenders are licensed lawyers specializing in criminal defense. The main difference lies in their employment: Defense Attorneys typically work in private practice or firms, representing clients who can pay for legal services. Public Defenders work for government agencies, providing free legal defense to those who cannot afford it. While their roles are similar, their work environments and client bases differ significantly.

What is the most a defense attorney can make?

The salary of a defense attorney varies widely based on experience, location, and whether they work in private practice or for the government. Experienced defense attorneys in private practice can earn over $200,000 annually, while those in public defense roles typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 per year. High-profile or specialized attorneys may earn even more through case success and reputation.

What does a defense attorney do?

A defense attorney is a lawyer who represents individuals or organizations accused of crimes in court. Their primary responsibility is to protect the legal rights of their clients, provide legal advice, and build a strong defense to challenge the prosecution’s case. Defense attorneys conduct investigations, negotiate plea deals, represent clients during trial, and ensure fair treatment in the legal process. They may work on criminal or civil cases and are essential to the justice system by ensuring everyone receives a fair trial.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Defense Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a solid grasp of criminal law, legal research, and case analysis. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, courtroom presentation software, and e-discovery tools is often required. Strong negotiation, analytical thinking, and persuasive communication skills are essential for building client trust and effectively advocating in court. These skills and qualifications are critical for securing favorable outcomes, upholding legal standards, and providing robust representation for clients.

What is a defense attorney?

A defense attorney represents defendants who are facing criminal charges. In this career, you may work to defend both organizations and individual clients. Your responsibilities include researching aspects of a case, inspecting evidence, preparing a defense, arguing the case in court, communicating with clients, managing paperwork and deadlines, and traveling regularly to meet clients. Your job duties also require negotiation and public speaking skills, knowledge of laws and the judicial process, and the ability to work long hours. As a defense attorney, you need exceptional communication skills, investigative abilities, and the integrity to represent clients from diverse backgrounds.

Are defense attorneys in demand?

Defense attorneys are generally in steady demand due to ongoing legal needs in criminal justice systems. Employment opportunities depend on factors such as geographic location, experience, and the ability to handle complex legal cases, with job stability often linked to court caseloads and legal reforms.
More about Defense Attorney jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Attorney jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Defense Attorney jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Defense Attorney jobs in Michigan? For Defense Attorney jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Defense Attorney jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Attorney jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Defense Attorney jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Defense Attorney job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Defense Attorney jobs in MI? For Defense Attorney jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Defense Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Attorney job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,025 per year, or $45.7 per hour.

Defense Attorney (Worker's Compensation) - Los Angeles, CA

Accident Fund Holdings, Inc.

Lansing, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description


SUMMARY:
Workers Compensation Defense Attorney needed for fully remote in-house litigation position, working under the direction of the General Counsel. This attorney will work defending litigated Workers' Compensation claims before the WCAB primarily in and surrounding Los Angeles, CA, and will handle a full caseload from referral through trial and/or arbitration. This attorney will conduct research, examine records, conduct investigations, work with Claims staff (our client), prepare defense strategy, appear virtually and in person to defend client, attend depositions, negotiate settlements, prepare DORs, petitions, objections, trial briefs, and settlement documents.
RESPONSIBILITIES/TASKS:
  • Responsible for applying legal principles, knowledge and skills based on experience.
  • Evaluates and selects appropriate legal techniques, procedures and criteria using judgment in solving legal issues.
  • Drafts and/or dictates legal correspondence and memorandums and works with minimal supervision on all assigned matters.
  • Conducts legal research and offers timely legal opinions and advice upon reasonable demand.
  • Provides objective assessment of risk areas.
  • Works on special projects as assigned.

This position description identifies the responsibilities and tasks typically associated with the performance of the position. Other relevant essential functions may be required.
EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION:
A Juris Doctor Degree and admission to the bar (in good standing) in California required. Continuous learning, as defined by the Company's learning philosophy, is required.
EXPERIENCE:
A minimum of four (4) years of legal experience, with two years of experience in the insurance industry preferred.
SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES (SKA) REQUIRED:
  • Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations governing insurance.
  • Ability to understand complex legal issues.
  • Excellent analytical and communication skills; ability to interface with legal counsel and business groups at all levels of the organization.
  • Effective leadership, management and advocacy skills.
  • Strong problem solver; excellent project management skills; attention to detail.
  • Skilled in development of policies, procedures, training methods and materials.
  • Basic to working knowledge of corporate policies and procedures.
  • Basic to working knowledge of contracting concepts and Uniform Commercial Code.
  • Ability to draft and review simple contractual instruments
  • Ability to read, analyze and interpret statutes, general business and legal periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures and governmental regulations.
  • Highly developed sense of ethics and integrity.
  • In-depth knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations governing the enterprise.
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
  • Illustrates sound judgment and has the ability to encourage others to use professional judgment.
  • Ability to develop optimistic and collaborative relationships both internally and externally.
  • Possesses understanding of the business and has an appreciation of financial/analytical issues and profit and loss implications.
  • Significant ability to influence senior corporate management.
  • Ability to perform in complex cross-functional business environment.
  • Must be able to develop rapport with client and to engender confidence with the client and in their own professional competence and judgment.
  • Excellent presentation, teambuilding and leadership skills.
  • Good analytical, negotiation, organizational, presentation, verbal and written communication skills.
  • Qualified to effectively present information and respond to questions from courts, regulators, clients, customers and the general public.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed remotely. Travel is required to WCAB for Expedited Hearings and Trials. Must be able to drive an automobile and have valid operator license. Specific vision abilities required by this job includes close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to handle documents, books, manuals; reach with hands and arms; talk; and hear.
PAY RANGE:
"Actual compensation decision relies on the consideration of internal equity, candidate's skills and professional experience, geographic location, market and other potential factors. It is not standard practice for an offer to be at or near the top of the range, and therefore a reasonable estimate for this role is between $133,650 and $223,740."
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any form. Candidates for the position stated above are hired on an "at will" basis. Nothing herein is intended to create a contract.
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About the Team
CompWest Insurance Company

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